Ritual Bath Spell

From the earliest beginnings as a species, we have recognized the healing and purifying qualities of water.

Immersion in water has always been a sacred act, as cleansing to the soul as to the body. In ancient times wells, lakes, and rivers were considered sacred, and people would immerse themselves to release negative energy, help heal spiritual blockages or imbalances, and prepare for ceremonies. Even today Hindus immerse themselves in sacred Ganges river as an act of both spiritual and physical cleansing.

This spell is in the form of a ritual bath. A ritual bath is not for physical washing, but for meditation and to effect changes using the energy of the water and whatever may be added to it. This particular bath is for cleansing and blessing.

For this Spell you will need:

a tub

a handful of salt

a handful of dried rosemary

a handful of dried sage

white candles, as many as you wish

a mirror - your bathroom mirror is fine

oil

Sea salt is preferred, but any kind of salt may be used. The herbs may be added loose to the water, or you may tie them up is a square cheese cloth for easier clean-up afterward.

It is not necessary to use candles, but are beneficial and will help to create a conductive atmosphere.

If you have access to it, a fragrant anointing oil is preferred. Aromatic oils may be purchased at metaphysical stores, but also bought at bath shops or stores that cary aromatherapy products. A good oil to use would be sandlewood. If you do not have access to anointing oil, any oil can be used, especially olive oil which has a long history of use in sacred rituals.

Pick a time when you will not be disturbed. Have all of your materials together. Run a tub full of warm water. The water should be comfortable, so adjust it to taste.

While the water is running, add the salt, rosemary, and sage.

If you are are using candles, light them now and turn off the electric lights.

When the bath is ready, take a moment to ground and release.

Now make a prayer, both to ask the help of Goddess, and to help set your intent. You can use words like these:

"O Mother Goddess, help me to cleanse myself now of all that holds me back or blocks my growth and progress. Help me as a brace my fullest potential and I open my heart to growth."

Now get into the water.

Rinse yourself thorouly, so that every part of your body gets wet, including your face and hair.

Now lay back.

Get comfortable.

Let the warmth of the water soak into you.

Take a few moments just to appreciate the sensation.

Now reflect upon your life.

Think about every part of your life that has ever held you back in any way. Every pain, every sorrow, and anxiety. Every fear, hesitation, or self-imposed limitation. Review every painful memory, every event that ever hurt you. Be as thorough as you can.

And as you think of each thing, make an affrimation to yourself and to the universe:

"I release this, it leaves me now."

You can say these words, or words to this effect, outloud, or concentrate on them silently.

Release each and every issue that holds you back. When you cannot think of any others, augment your efforts with a prayer like this:

"O Mother Goddess, look within my soul and help me to release whatever remains that I have not seen."

Now clear your mind. When thoughts come, do not respond to them, but let them drift right back out of your mind. Meditate this way for a few minutes. Let the Goddess look inside you. Remain this way for as long as you are comfortable.

Now stand up and think of all the things you have released. Affirm:

"All that I have released I leave behind me. May their energy return to the Mother to be reused."

So saying, step out of the tub.

Do not dry off -let the air dry you, as you continue the spell.

Look into the mirror. Examine the face that stares back at you. Remind yourself:

"This is a good person."

Mean it. Tell yourself.

"I love this person. This is the child of the Goddess, whom she loves."

Now take up the oil. Open it, and dab out a little bit onto your fingers.

Reach down and annoint the top of each foot with the oil. Affirm:

"Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in this sacred path."

Now dab a little more onto your finger tips. Anoint both knees. Affirm:

"Blessed be my knees, that I may kneel at the altar of the ancient ones."

Now get a bit more oil on your finger tips . Annoint your pelvic region (just above your pubic area, or where you please). Affirm:

"Blessed be my second chakra, that I may bring forth life, and art, and joy."

Place a bit more oil on your fingers. Anoint the center of your chest. Affirm:

"Blessed be my heart, which is formed in beauty, that I may love and receive love."

Now take a bit more oil. Anoint you lips. Affirm:

"Blessed be my lips, that I may speak the words of power in time to come."

Finally, take a little more oil, and anoint the very center off your forehead. Affirm:

"Blessed be my mind's eye, that I may see the unseen, and recieve the messages of spirit."

Now look into the mirror, and speak words to the effect of:

"In the name of the Goddess, I am blessed. Like the flower I shall open and grow. May all that I have released be replaced with the love and blessings of the Mother. So mote it be."

You have now finished. Clear and release all excess energy, by grounding.